Question

The human eye contains a molecule called 11-cis-retinal that changes conformation when struck with light of sufficient energy. The change in conformation triggers a series of events that results in an electrical signal being sent to the brain. The minimum energy required to change the conformation of 11-cis-retinal within the eye is about 164 {\rm kJ}/{\rm mol}.Calculate the longest wavelength visible to the human eye.

Answer 1

1.21 × 10⁻³⁰ m

Step-by-step explanation:

164 kJ of energy (E) are required to change the conformation of 1 mole of 11-cis-retinal. The wavelength (λ) of the radiation having such energy can be calculated through the Planck-Einstein equation.

E = h . ν = h . c . λ⁻¹

where,

h is the Planck constant

ν is the frequency

c is the speed of light

λ is the wavelength

`\lambda=(h.c)/(E) =(6.63 * 10^(-34)J.s * 3.00 * 10^(8) m/s )/(164 * 10^(3) J ) =1.21 * 10^(-30) m`